Those who love to garden and are eager to learn the latest in plant science and horticulture are encouraged to apply for the 2013 Sonoma County Master Gardener training class.
Applications are being taken online at www.sonomamastergardeners.org, and they must be submitted by Sept. 15.
Training classes will be two afternoons a week from early January through early April in Rohnert Park. The courses will be taught by UCCE farm advisors and specialists, UC professors, local community college faculty and other gardening professionals. Master Gardeners volunteer a minimum of 50 hours for community service projects in their first year and 37 hours each year thereafter.
Adults of all ages and ethnicities are invited to participate in the program. However, applicants must be Sonoma County residents, have access to a computer, as most important communication with class members, such as quizzes or exams, will be via e-mail. Upon acceptance, applicants will pay a fee of $275 for books, course materials and classes. Partial scholarship assistance is available. There are currently more than 230 certified Sonoma County Master Gardeners, who provide research-based information to home gardeners at local farmers' markets, library workshops, fairs and exhibits and at the information desks in Sonoma and Santa Rosa.
For more information, call 565-2608.